Sam Hunt hit the country music scene fast and hard with his 2014 debut album Montevallo. The singer-slash-rapper-slash-songwriter may be filled with musical talent, but part of his appeal comes straight from his 6 feet, 3 inches of confidence and sexiness.

After the success of his 2013 single, “Raised on It,” Hunt signed with MCA Nashville to release his debut EP, X2C, in October of 2014, before putting out Montevalloat the end of the year. Since spending the early part of 2015 headlining his Lipstick Graffiti Tour, the “House Party” singer has toured with Lady Antebellum and Kenny Chesney, and continued to play shows of his own; a list of all of Hunt’s upcoming shows can be found at SamHunt.com. Hunt is currently working on his sophomore album.

There are plenty of male country stars whose music we love, but in the gallery above, we’ve rounded up our favorite of Hunt’s looks. Whether he’s onstage or on the red carpet, Hunt always brings his own style to the game, typically ignoring cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats in favor of something (much) more current.

[button href=”http://theboot.com/country-music-college/” title=”NEXT: Country Singers Who Learned Before They Earned” align=”center”]

]]>http://wyrk.com/sam-hunts-best-looks-pictures/feed/0Brad BelangerWYRK's Keith Kelly Goes to NYC! Check Out Pictures of Times Square, Macy's + More!http://wyrk.com/wyrks-keith-kelly-goes-to-nyc-check-out-pictures-of-times-square-macys-more/
http://wyrk.com/wyrks-keith-kelly-goes-to-nyc-check-out-pictures-of-times-square-macys-more/#commentsWed, 07 Dec 2016 19:26:30 +0000http://wyrk.com/?p=408303I was jealous when Keith Kelly told me he was heading to NYC for the day but being the nice guy that he is, Keith has shared photos from his amazing trip to the big apple!

The holidays may be the best time to head to the big city – the Christmas tree in times square, all the decorations including Macy’s famous store windows….take a look at the shots Keith sent me today (12/7/16)

The National Register of Historic Places is currently backing research that could potentially lead to the preservation of several recording studios, publishing houses and record labels on Nashville’s famed Music Row, the Tennesseanreports.

Recently, the Park Service approved the addition of House of David, which is the longest owned commercial studio on Music Row. This brings the total of properties protected on Music Row to four. However, up to 65 buildings located on the Row have been identified with history that could also be added to the register. Researchers Robbie Jones and Carolyn Brackett have concluded that there are 200 music-related businesses currently operating on Music Row, with the hopes of more establishments being preserved.

“The Park Service’s approval of the Music Row research is a powerful validation of our efforts to see this one-of-a-kind cultural district not only survive but thrive for generations to come,” David Brown, executive vice president and chief preservation officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, says. “Older buildings and blocks are key components to creating successful cities and neighborhoods. Reusing and reinvesting in the historic properties of Music Row will help create a vital and economically strong area that will sustain key treasures of our nation’s musical heritage.”

While each of these buildings continue to hold much history, the city of Nashville continues to build plans for preservation. Earlier this year, Metro Planning Executive Director Doug Sloan proposed the idea of creating a new Music Row code where a city board would have to sign off on redevelopment on each of the 65 properties already protected. While no code had been set in place at press time, owners of these historic properties and music fans can find some solace in that the city is getting closer to preserving its iconic establishments like RCA Studio A, which almost saw its demise until the building was saved in 2014.

On Tuesday morning (Dec. 6), Sturgill Simpson was woken up by his publicist, at 7:30AM, delivering some very good news: He received two nominations for the 2017 Grammy Awards — one for Best Country Album, and the other for the all-genre Album of the Year. The news, Simpson says, came at a good — albeit early — time.

“My mother-in-law passed last week, so we kind of needed a ray of sunshine,” the singer-songwriter tells the New York Times, adding that, after he got the news, he and his wife, “just kind of stayed in bed for a while.”

“I was trying to wrap my head around what this even means and looking back on everything. It’s extremely humbling,” Simpson admits. “I went downstairs and made pancakes and watched Sesame Street with my son. That was pretty much it.”

Simpson’s nominated album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, was written for his son — a record of advice, sort of. Simpson says that, when he realized that he had his son to thank for his two Grammy nods, “I got out of bed and went into his room and gave him a hug.”

“I feel like he did this, not me,” Simpson says.

Simpson made headlines in the fall when he chastised the Academy of Country Music for its newly created Merle Haggard Spirit Award, saying at the time that the ACM, as well as the Country Music Association and other Music Row organizations, “don’t walk it like they talk it.” Now that he’s nominated for Best Country Album at the Grammys, and the genre’s de facto representation in the Album of the Year category, the artist — who has never made a big to-do about defining his music as country, or even as Americana — says that he’s not thinking about his nominations in that way, or as a statement to the Nashville establishment.

“I’m not sure what I represent; I just want to make art. If [the ACMs or the CMAs] wanted to recognize me one day, that’s great, too. If they don’t, it doesn’t change how I’m approaching my career at all,” Simpson muses, adding that his Grammy nods “[are] much bigger than me … I certainly don’t want to use this opportunity to vent negativity in any way. It’s a really good day for me and my band, after a lot of hard work. Now the reward is we get to go do a lot more hard work, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Included in that hard work may be a performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards ceremony, though there’s been no official invitation (“It’s way too early for all that,” Simpson says). However, the singer may have a conflict: “My wife and I have our second child on the way, due any time in the first two weeks of February. So this is all a little hairy … I would love to be there, but I’m not going to miss a birth for it.”

As for his competition in the Album of the Year category — Adele’s 25, Beyonce’s Lemonade, Justin Bieber’s Purpose and Drake’s Views — Simpson admits that he “loved Lemonade” and “thought it was genius,” and that he “love[s] the Adele record” as well. He also says that there’s another album he wishes had been nominated in the category.

The 59th annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 12. The Late Late Show host James Corden will host the televised ceremony, which will begin at 8PM ET on CBS; the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony will begin at 3:30PM ET and be available to stream online. Further details, including a list of performers, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Four of country music’s most iconic names are being recognized with one of music’s biggest honors from the Recording Academy. Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, the Everly Brothers and Bonnie Raitt will all have some of their most legendary recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017, those being “Jailhouse Rock,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “Wake Up, Little Susie” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” respectively.

“The Grammy Hall of Fame represents all genres of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which the Academy has become renowned,” says President and CEO Neil Portnow in a press release. “Memorable and inspiring, these recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog and are an integral part of our musical, social and cultural history.”

Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” was recorded in junction with the release of his film of the same name and topped several Billboard charts after its 1957 release. Rolling Stone named it on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is also included on that list, serving as one of her most critically-acclaimed singles from her career. “Okie From Muskogee,” co-written by Haggard, is one of his career-defining songs, with the No. 1 track and album of the same name taking home Single and Album of the Year accolades at the 1970 CMA Awards. Hitting No. 1 across the board, “Wake Up, Little Susie” by the Everly Brothers found immense crossover success in the late 1950s.

The four country stars join an elite list of Grammy Hall of Fame inducted artists. Just some of the other 25 classic hits tapped in 2017 include “ABC” by the Jackson 5, “Changes” by the late David Bowie, Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” from Nirvana and more.

The 10 best country albums of 2016 come from newcomers, major headliners and veterans proving that their music and artistry is as strong as ever. There are very few skip-ahead tracks on this list of great albums. These are the men and women who appreciate an album as a piece of art, not just a collection of songs.

In some cases, the singer is making a statement. Keith Urban‘s Ripcord pushes the country genre further than ever before without snipping the roots that ground him. Ronnie Dunn‘s Tattooed Heart bends traditional, but never sounds old. Dierks Bentley‘s Black takes the themes he established on Riser and expands with the help of a handful of special guests.

Newcomer Aubrie Sellers‘ honest collection of punk rock and bluegrass-influenced songs makes this 10 Best Country Albums of 2016 list. It’s not a record you’ll find in many Walmart stores, but it’s a brilliant introduction to a singer who aims to be around for awhile.

Surely there’s an album you think should be included in this list of the best country albums of the year. Miranda Lambert‘s The Weight of These Wings was a late addition, arriving just before Thanksgiving and packed full of emotional, raw ballads and mid-tempo ramblers. Was there any doubt she’d end up among our Best Albums picks? She doesn’t check in at No. 1, however. Find out who does in the gallery above.

Granger Smith is back at home and recuperating following a fall offstage that sent him to the hospital on Friday night (Dec. 2).

“Update: Out of the hospital, back in TX & starting to regain movements,” Smith writes on Instagram, while sharing a photo of himself resting on a couch. “The outpouring of support has me feeling VERY blessed. Thank y’all!”

During his performance at Sayreville, N.J.’s Starland Ballroom on Friday night, a monitor that Smith was standing on gave way, and he fell off the stage into a metal barricade. Although he was in pain, Smith finished his set, then headed to a nearby emergency room. From there, the artist was transferred and admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center in New Brunswick, N.J., where doctors confirmed that Smith had separated and broken two ribs, and had a punctured and partially collapsed lung.

“I truly appreciate all the doctors and nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital,” Smith says in a statement. “Their resolve and professionalism were reassuring during a pretty rough few days for me.”

Smith has cancelled the rest of his shows scheduled for 2016, but he promises his fans that he’ll find the time to reschedule.

“I’ve had so many emails and tweets. It’s pretty amazing that so many people have reached out from across the country,” Smith adds. “I feel so blessed to have more than just support for my music from fans and radio. It’s deeply humbling to have fans that personally care so much.”

Scott and her family received two nominations: one in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category for their gospel album, Love Remains, and another in Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance / Song, for their song “Thy Will.” Written with Emily Wiseband and Bernie Herms, the tune was inspired by a miscarriage that Scott suffered in the fall of 2015, and on Instagram, Scott reflected on how both her Grammy nomination and the memories of their writing session bring tears to her eyes.

“This photo brings back so many emotions …,” Scott writes, sharing a photo originally posted by Herms on the day they wrote “Thy Will.” “[T]ears of sadness because of the grief that I spoke about in this room to these two beautiful human beings, but tears of JOY because of what God has done — we have witnessed, FELT and watched BEAUTY RISE FROM ASHES.”

Pope’s emotions on Tuesday morning were on the other end of the spectrum from Scott’s: “This is what it looks like to wake up to a Grammy nomination!” the singer captioned a euphoric-looking photo of herself, laying in bed. “OMG!!!! Thank you @chrisyoungmusic!”

“I can see people listening to that and relating to it, and that’s what a hit song is,” Pope says of the track. “Every part of that song just grabbed me …”

Rhett, meanwhile, received a Best Country Song nomination for his tune “Die a Happy Man.” The award goes to the winning track’s songwriters; Rhett wrote “Die a Happy Man” with Sean Douglas and Joe Spargur.

“So many days and hours of work have led to this day for me and so many others,” Rhett reflects. “I could not be more grateful for your support.”

The 59th annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 12. The Late Late Show host James Corden will host the televised ceremony, which will begin at 8PM ET on CBS; the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony will begin at 3:30PM ET and be available to stream online. Further details, including a list of performers, will be announced in the coming weeks.

With a new year comes awards season — and music fans have a big awards ceremony to look forward to: the Grammy Awards!

The Grammys will celebrate their 59th year in 2017, and the event will bring together artists of all genres to honor the best and the brightest in music as a whole. If you need to know when, where and how to catch the ceremony — not to mention which of your favorite country, Americana, bluegrass and folk artists you should be rooting for during it — read on.

When and Where Are the 2017 Grammy Awards?

The 2017 Grammy Awards are set to take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 12. The televised ceremony will begin at 8PM ET; the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony will begin at 3:30PM ET.

Where Can I Watch the 2017 Grammy Awards and the 2017 Grammy Awards Red Carpet?

The televised 2017 Grammy Awards ceremony will air live from LA’s Staples Center on CBS; the pre-telecast ceremony will be available to stream online as it happens at the Microsoft Theater at LA Live. Details about Premiere Ceremony streaming, and about red carpet broadcasts, are forthcoming.

Who’s Hosting the 2017 Grammy Awards?

The Late Late Show host James Corden will host the 2017 Grammy Awards’ televised ceremony. A host for the Premiere Ceremony has yet to be announced.

Who’s Nominated at the 2017 Grammy Awards?

Meghan Trainor revealed nominees for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist on CBS This Morning on Dec. 6; following that announced, the Recording Academy shared nominations in all of the Grammy Awards’ 84 categories on Grammy.com.

Country nominees in the four all-genre categories included Kelsea Ballerini (Best New Artist), Maren Morris (Best New Artist) and Sturgill Simpson (Album of the Year); in total, Morris earned four nods — Best Country Album and Best Country Song, in addition to Best New Artist — while Simpson also picked up a Best Country Album nom. Keith Urban, meanwhile, earned three nominations: Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance, and Brandy Clark, the Avett Brothers, Miranda Lambert and more have multiple nods.

Who’s Going to Win at the 2017 Grammy Awards?

Fans will have to wait until February to find out!

Who’s Performing at the 2017 Grammy Awards?

Country, Americana, bluegrass and folk fans will likely see a familiar face or two take the stage to perform during the 2017 Grammy Awards, but a list of performers has yet to be announced. The Boot will share that information when it is revealed.

Who’s Presenting at the 2017 Grammy Awards?

Country, Americana, bluegrass and folk stars will also likely spend time onstage to help present 2017 Grammy Awards trophies, but the list of presenters also has not yet been revealed. The Boot will share the information when it is announced.

Who Will Be Attending the 2017 Grammy Awards?

Nobody’s said one way or the other yet, but The Boot will share that information when it becomes available!

“Four Grammy nominations?! I’M SHOOK,” tweeted Morris, who leads the pack of country nominees this year. The rising star earned a nomination in the all-genre Best New Artist category, as well as in Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

Also representing country music in the Best New Artist category is Ballerini, who earned her one 2017 Grammy Awards nod in that category. “Oh my god. MOM I’M GOING TO THE GRAMMYS,” a clearly excited Ballerini tweeted after the Recording Academy shared the news; after Kelly Clarkson congratulated her on the nod, Ballerini added, “Oh my goodness, Thank youuuuu!!!!”

Urban, meanwhile, is on tour in Australia, where it’s already Wednesday morning (Dec. 7). He got the news of his three 2017 Grammys nods, he explains in a statement, at 2AM while “coming down for a crazy-great show overseas.”

“I’m totally blown away with these nominations. Making Ripcord was really a collaborative labor of love, both for the music and all the people that helped me bring my vision to life,” Urban says. “I’ll stay up anytime to hear news like this … just not sure of how to get to sleep now!!”

Urban received three nominations for the 2017 Grammy Awards: Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

Sturgill Simpson is also representing the country and Americana genres in an all-genre category at the upcoming Grammys: He earned a nod for Album of the Year, as well as one for Best Country Album. Brandy Clark, the Avett Brothers, Miranda Lambert and more have multiple nominations as well.

The 59th annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 12. The Late Late Show host James Corden will host the televised ceremony, which will begin at 8PM ET on CBS; the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony will begin at 3:30PM ET and be available to stream online. Further details, including a list of performers, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Naomi and Wynonna Judd are currently estranged, the mother and one-half of the Judds has shared.

“I love her but there are just times we need a break from each other,” Naomi tells ABC’s Robin Roberts of her strained relationship with her daughter. “We’re still a little estranged from each other. And that happens with mother, daughters. If she sees this, and I hope she does, ’cause the smartest thing is for all of us to feel known, no matter what’s goin’ on. Be truthful. I think she’ll say, ‘Good for you, Mom, for finally being willing to talk about the bad stuff.'”

“Through the decades, we kind of grew up together and I’m always telling her, ‘If I’d known better I would’ve done better,'” she continues. “Wy bore the brunt of all of the mistakes I made and we talk about ’em. We’ve been through a lot of therapy together.”

While Naomi says she and her daughter grew apart while filming their 2011 reality series The Judds, they reunited in 2015 for a Las Vegas residency.

During an appearance on Oprah’s Where Are They Now in early 2016, Naomi shared that Wynonna would get upset with how revealing her mother was willing to be in interviews. She has been focused on her solo career, separate from her mother, in recent months.

In a new memoir titled River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope, Naomi further details her mental illness, which landed her in several psychiatric wards over the years and on various medications. These medications, she says, have made her face swell up “like a balloon” and caused her hands to shake.

“They see me in rhinestones, you know, with glitter in my hair, that really is who I am,” she says. “But then I would come home and not leave the house for three weeks, and not get out of my pajamas, and not practice normal hygiene. It was really bad.”

The George Jones Museum in Nashville is getting a new owner, but its honorable reflection of the legendary country singer remains intact.

According to the Tennessean, the complex and museum located in downtown Nashville, Tenn., featuring artifacts from the life and career of George Jones has been purchased by Possum Holdings LLC, which will manage the operations of the museum complex including the restaurant, bars, event space and museum in partnership with Good Time Design.

“George Jones is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. Not only did the real estate intrigue us, but expanding the Jones legacy fueled our interest in building a world-class brand,” says Possum Holdings Principal Paul Jankowski in a press release. The company also gains ownership of Jones’ name, image an likeness with the purchase of a Master License. In addition to the museum, the four-story building is home to a rooftop bar and event space.

The George Jones Museum opened its doors in Nashville in 2015 and boasts a variety of tokens from the legend’s career, including his first guitar, membership card from the Grand Ole Opry, various Grammy and CMA Awards and entire display dedicated to his career-defining hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” along with personal mementos like his red Chevy truck and green John Deere tractor.

The museum pays tribute to Jones’ career. The icon passed away in April 2013 from respiratory failure at the age of 81. Many of the items on display were donated by his wife, Nancy Jones. Jones’ funeral took place at the Grand Ole Opry, where his life and legacy was honored by some of country music’s biggest stars including Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Tanya Tucker, Charlie Daniels and many more.

Keith Urban is playing a very special gig in New Zealand on Saturday (Dec. 3), and the country superstar is taking the opportunity to give back to emergency workers who were among the first responders during a recent earthquake.

Kaikoura was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Nov. 14 that was so powerful, new photos from NASA have revealed new land masses spanning 20 kilometers off the coast that were lifted out of the ocean by the force of the quake, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Urban heard about the earthquake while finishing up the North American leg of his Ripcord Tour, and he decided to do something special for the men and women who bravely responded to emergency calls after the disaster. The singer-songwriter has donated tickets so that dozens of emergency personnel will be able to attend his concert at Westpac Stadium.

“We cannot forget the incredible work of our first responders at the local Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Force,” Urban says in a press release. “These courageous men and women answer the call without hesitation and represent the best of the human spirit. I’m incredibly appreciative of not only what they did to protect everyone affected by the Kaikoura quake, but of what they do each and every day — and so to have them come see us play and show them our appreciation is an honor.”

Though Urban was born in New Zealand, the show actually marks his first headlining gig there as a solo artist. Carrie Underwood is joining him on the bill.

“I’m so psyched about finally getting to play a real show in the country of my birth,” he says. “The last time I played music there, I was in a duo playing every weekend at a pub called the DB Onerahi in Whangarei… and I was 17. This is gonna be an amazing feeling!”

There’s already plenty of great country Christmas music out there, but think of how cool it would be to have a Santa Claus of our very own in the genre: He’d hand out guitars and banjos every year, and we could all sit around on Christmas Day and have a monster jam session.

Charlie Daniels seems like a jolly enough fellow, and he has a head start on the beard, too. Kenny Rogers, meanwhile, has been spreading Christmas joy on tour for years, and he’s also got that twinkle in his eye that you just can’t fake. Zac Brown, on the other hand, would be a different kind of Santa — a little bit of an edgier, hipper take on the “Man With the Bag,” if you will.

Vote below for your preferred country star Santa, and if you think there are other country stars who would be a better Santa choice, let us know in the comments section.

Sara Evans, Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia Line are among a list of artists who have designed holiday sweaters to benefit a good cause. The three country artists, as well as a number of other acts, now have their designs for sale, with proceeds going to Musicians on Call.

Fans can visit the Musicians on Call website to see and purchase Evans, Hunt and FGL’s designs, all of which are available for $35. Evans’ offering is a green sweater with a “A Little Bit Stronger” bottle of wine and full wine glass on the front; Hunt’s features a bear in a Santa suit holding up a boombox a la Lloyd Dobler’s famous front-lawn serenade in Say Anything; and Florida Georgia Line’s design features Santa holding a bottle of the duo’s Old Camp Whiskey, along with the words “Keep Your Spirits High.”

Part of the Musicians on Call Deck the Halls Campaign, the festive frocks were also designed by pop group DNCE, hip-hop artist Trey Songz, holiday supergroup Band of Merrymakers and more. Proceeds from the holiday sweaters will go specifically to MoC’s Bedside Performance Program, through which musician volunteers visit hospitals to perform for patients.

“This holiday season, we have so much to be thankful for, and at Musicians on Call, we are most grateful for our incredible volunteers and supporters, and the patients we have the privilege of performing for, ” says Pete Griffin, Musicians on Call’s president, in a press release. “With the funds raised from our Deck the Halls Campaign, we can bring more bedside performances to patients during the holidays and throughout the year.”

Founded in 1999, Musicians on Call aims to bring live and recorded music to patients in healthcare facilities across the nation. To date, volunteers have performed for half a million people, delivering live, in-room performances to those undergoing treatments. In August, MoC honored Lady Antebellum with their Music Heals Award, in recognition of the country trio’s support of the organization.

With a new year comes new music, and when it comes to new country, Americana, alt-country, bluegrass and folk music, 2017 is shaping up to be one exciting year!

In 2017, listeners are poised to receive a ton of new music from longstanding favorites as well as exciting newcomers. Reigning CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town and alt-country pioneers Son Volt will both release their eighth studio albums, while Brantley Gilbert‘s fourth record will reveal a deeper side to the country rocker. Breakout artists are also set for a big year: RaeLynn, formerly a contestant on The Voice, will unveil her much-anticipated debut disc, and Canadian country darling Whitney Rose will release a new project inspired by her new home in Austin, Texas.

That’s just the start of 2017’s new releases! Click through the photo gallery above to learn more about some of the most-anticipated new country, Americana, alt-country, bluegrass and folk albums of the year.

[button href=”http://theboot.com/new-country-music-2016/” title=”NEXT: A Look Back at 2016’s New Releases” align=”center”]

Granger Smith is in the hospital following a fall during his Friday night (Dec. 2) concert in Sayreville, N.J. — and his injuries are pretty serious.

A statement from Smith’s PR team explains that, during his performance at Sayreville’s Starland Ballroom, a monitor that the singer was standing on gave way, and he fell off the stage into a metal barricade. A video posted by Twitter user Chris Lyle shows Smith’s fall; after a few seconds, he hops back up onstage, fist-bumps his band members (who are still playing) and quips, “Musta been a city boy that put that up there.”

Although he was in pain, Smith finished his set — and then headed to a nearby emergency room. From there, the artist was transferred and admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in New Brunswick, N.J., where doctors confirmed that he had separated and broken two ribs, and had a punctured and partially collapsed lung.

“The latest reports are encouraging,” the statement from Smith’s team reports, “and Granger hopes to get back home to his family in Texas to rest soon.”

On Twitter, Smith himself noted that he “took a pretty hard spill,” and thanked his fans for their thoughts and prayers. “I’ll be out of the hospital & 100% soon,” Smith adds.

Smith was scheduled to perform in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday night (Dec. 3) and in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday night (Dec. 4); however, those two shows have been canceled. The next date on his tour calendar is a Dec. 7 show in Jacksonville, Fla., but the status of that and subsequent shows is still up in the air.

In 2015, 13 million people tuned in to watch Dolly Parton‘s first made-for-TV movie, Coat of Many Colors. Although its sequel, Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, did not garner quite as many viewers, it still earned strong ratings.

Christmas of Many Colors, which premiered on Wednesday (Nov. 30), earned 11.4 million viewers and a 1.8 ratings share in the adults 18-49 years of age demographic, the Hollywood Reporter reports. Those numbers put the film at the top of viewership in terms of total viewers, and helped NBC earn its highest-rated Wednesday night of the 2016-2017 season.

By comparison, when it aired during the holiday season of 2015, Coat of Many Colors became the most-watched movie on broadcast TV since May of 2012 and earned NBC its best total-viewer results in that time period since 2009’s ER series finale, excluding sports and live musicals.

Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love furthers the story of Parton’s childhood, sharing the country icon’s memories of one particular Christmas, and how her family began to realize that she could be a star. A DVD version of the movie will be available on Dec. 20.

“We just want families to feel closer together,” Parton explains of the film. “We’ve scattered so much, as a family, because of all the new ways, new technology — which is wonderful to have all these great things available to us — but I think we lose a lot, and have lost a lot, about family, so more than anything, I just want people to feel the joy of Christmas and what Christmas is really about, which is Jesus, and about just that love of family.”

Late Wednesday night, following Christmas of Many Colors‘ debut, Parton revealed her plans to give back to her home county, Sevier County, in Tennessee. The area — specifically the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the latter of which is home to Parton’s Dollywood theme park, her DreamMore Resort and two dinner theater attractions — has been devastated by wildfires in recent days; in addition to claiming numerous lives, the fires have also left many families without homes. To help, Parton established the My People Fund, which will provide $1,000 a month for six months to each of the families who lost their home due to the wildfires.

In March, Brown released his major-label debut EP, Chapter 1; he co-wrote four of the project’s five tracks with co-writers including Chris Young, Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge. The record’s lead single was “Used to Love You Sober,” which earned a spot near the top of the iTunes country chart in late 2015, prior to Brown’s signing with Sony / RCA. “Used to Love You Sober” will not appear on Kane Brown, but two tracks that Brown has shared in recent months — “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” and “Thunder in the Rain” — will.

In addition to “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” and “Thunder in the Rain,” Kane Brown features nine songs; seven of its 11 total tracks were co-written by Brown himself, and labelmates Chris Young and Florida Georgia Line helped pen tunes as well. One of the project’s most personal songs is “Learning,” on which Brown talks about three different stages of his life and gets honest with his listeners about what he’s been through.

“When I was six years old, I kinda wet the bed / My stepdad came in and nearly beat me to death …,” Brown begins in “Learning.” The second verse finds the up-and-comer recalling middle school and his “new problems,” such as trying to fit in but “gettin’ looked down on just because of your skin” and being unable to afford the brand names his classmates were wearing, while in the song’s final verse, Brown mourns friends gone too soon due to drugs and violence. The chorus of “Learning,” however, offers a good message to any listener holding on to a grudge or a past letdown: “I’m gonna let it go / Forgiveness / Is somethin’ we gotta know / ‘Cause if you hold on forever, it’ll hurt your soul / That’s why I’m learnin’ how to let it go.”

Brown is currently out on the road for his headlining Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Tour. Details about the trek are available on the singer’s website, and Kane Brown — which is set for release on Dec. 2 — is available for purchase on iTunes.